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Hard- & Software                                                                              

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Manufacturing process

For the development and the manufacturing of xCell we used Rapid Prototyping technologies such as a 3D printer to create xCell’s plastic matrix and the necessary build-in parts (software: “Designer Spark Mechanical” and 3D CAD Software) as well as the layout editor “Fritzing” todesign the printed circuit boards.

xCell is a time-lapse microscope that particularly captivates with its compact design. The cube with an edge length of 7.87 inches is portable and fits on every desk! The reinforced aluminum frame with a plastic skeleton makes xCell lightweight and durable at the same time. Whether in the laboratory or in your living room - with the transparent side surfaces made of Plexiglas and the luminous Arduino boards xCell becomes a stylish-decorative component of your environment!

Hardware

·         Arduino microcontroller prototyping boards

·         NTC temperature sensors

·         CO₂ sensor

·         Humidity sensor

·         Solenoid valve to control the CO₂ content

·         Heating wire (silicone insulated heating cable)

·         Carbon Film Resistors

·         Transistors

·         Diodes

·         Voltage regulator

·         Modified USB Webcam

·         Stepper motors for the cross table

·         Subsub-miniature switches

·         Switching power supply

·         Light sources: LEDs

·         Shields / boards

·         WiFi module

·         USB cable

Software

Starting today, anyone – even without a lengthy training – can control & use a time-lapse microscope!